Locked up in Peru's deadliest jail: Aussie drug mule's untold story | From the vault

Deep inside one of Peru’s most notorious prisons, 27-year-old Australian Bronwyn sits convicted of drug trafficking after being caught with a suitcase full of cocaine, her heartbreaking story is a chilling warning for young travellers.

Unlike Schapelle Corby, Bronwyn’s story had never been told.

In this exclusive investigation by Mike Willesee, she reveals how a powerful cartel recruited, set up, and ultimately sacrificed her to smuggle their deadly cargo. As Peru becomes the epicenter of the global cocaine trade, Australia is now the world’s most lucrative market.

This story originally aired 5 August 2012.

_Bronwyn Atherton was released from prison in August 2017 having served 8 years of her 14-year sentence_

*Connect with 7NEWS Spotlight online*
*Visit »* https://7news.com.au/spotlight
*7NEWS Spotlight Podcast »* http://smarturl.it/7NewsSpotlight
*Facebook »* https://www.facebook.com/7newsSpotlight/
*Instagram »* https://instagram.com/7newsSpotlight/

7NEWS combines the trusted and powerful news brands including Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Latest, and 7NEWS.com.au, delivering unique, engaging and continuous coverage on the issues that matter most to Australians. Watch 7NEWS nightly at 6pm and weekdays at 12pm and 4pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.